Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 178

NATURAL SCIENCES

Neuroscience
Overview

Neuroscience at Keele is a contemporary and
multidisciplinary course covering the structure and
function of the nervous system, the action of drugs,
and the molecular biology of neurological diseases
and disorders. Modern neuroscience is not an isolated
speciality; instead it integrates information from
biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pathology,
psychology and psychiatry to address the normal
and abnormal functioning of the nervous system.
The course offers a balance between molecular
and cellular aspects of the subject and systems and
clinical neuroscience.

Course content

First year
The first year serves as an introduction to key themes
developed over the programme, with the following
module core to all routes:
Introduction to Neuroscience explores key concepts
of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and introduces
the sensory and motor systems.
In addition, option modules could include:
• Human Physiology and Pathology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Evolution
• Neurophysiology

Third or fourth year
The modules focus on current research in
neuroscience. In addition to your independent project
(research project, dissertation or placement), you will
study a selection of modules, which could include:
• Neurobiological Basis of Brain Disease
• Behavioural Neurobiology
• Special Senses
• Regeneration and Repair in the Nervous System

• Cells and Organelles: Biochemical Aspects
of Cell Biology

• Current Topics in Neuroscience

• Metabolism: Major Metabolic Pathways

The course is taught by a combination of lectures,
laboratory classes, tutorials and seminars with
interactive computer-aided learning to provide
additional back-up to the more formal group
teaching. You will be assessed by a combination
of essays, practical work, continuous assessment
and examinations.

Second year
The second year builds on key principles introduced
in the first year and provides a strong grounding in
fundamentals of neuroscience, with the following
module core to all routes:
Neuroscience Research Methods covers a range
of fundamental practical neuroscience research
techniques and provides you with key skills such as
the use of databases and statistical tools in research.
In addition, option modules could include:
• From Neurone to Brain
• Neurodevelopment
• Learning and Memory
• Neuroanatomy
• Neuropharmacology
• Endocrinology and Signalling

www.keele.ac.uk/ugcourses
178

Industrial placement
After your second year, you have the opportunity
to attend an academically accredited industrial
placement for a minimum of six months. The
marks obtained while undertaking this module
are integrated into the final year of studies. The
placement is taken during the third year in an
approved government or industrial establishment
or field centre within th RT